Exploring the Universe with Quantum Technology: A New Frontier in Physics

In this talk I will discuss the exciting potential of cold atom quantum technology. This technology is at the heart of a comprehensive multi-stage programme aimed at addressing some of the most profound questions in physics. The programme's objectives include searching for elusive ultra-light dark matter and investigating gravitational waves in a range previously unexplored by current experiments like LISA and LIGO. Additionally, the programme seeks to broaden our understanding of the early

universe and the dynamics and properties of black holes. I will highlight significant initiatives such as the AION project, recently funded in the UK, which aims to pioneer these investigations on Earth. I will also discuss proposed space missions like AEDGE, which intend to extend this research into the cosmos. These interdisciplinary missions leverage advancements in quantum technology to bridge the gap between fundamental physics, astrophysics, and cosmology, promising to unlock new scientific discoveries in the coming decades. This talk will provide a fascinating glimpse into how cutting-edge technology is being used to explore the mysteries of our universe.

About the speaker

Professor Oliver Buchmueller is a distinguished physicist at Imperial College London, a Visiting Professor at Oxford University, and a Royal Society Leverhulme Trust Senior Research Fellow. He specialises in unravelling some of the most enigmatic mysteries in contemporary physics, such as dark matter, gravitational waves, and the fundamental forces and particles of the cosmos. He plays an integral role in the CMS Collaboration at CERN, a global initiative probing the frontiers of particle physics. He also spearheads pioneering projects in quantum technology, including the Atom Interferometer Observatory and Network (AION) and the Atomic Experiment for Dark Matter and Gravity Exploration in Space (AEDGE). His research not only deepens our understanding of the universe but also brings together international experts from diverse fields such as astrophysics, quantum technology, earth sciences, cosmology, geodesy, and fundamental physics, expanding the boundaries of what we know about space and time.